What Researchers Did
Researchers described a case of iatrogenic stroke caused by cerebral air embolism during a CT-guided lung biopsy and its successful treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What They Found
A patient developed left-sided paresis and sensory deficits, followed by loss of consciousness, with CT revealing air in the aorta, ophthalmic arteries, and right parietal region. The patient received hyperbaric oxygen therapy for eight days and was discharged after nine days with only a minor left facial palsy.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients undergoing percutaneous procedures should be aware of the rare but serious risk of air embolism. Rapid recognition and access to specialized treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy are crucial for improving outcomes in such cases.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it describes a case from outside Canada.
Study Limitations
As a single case report, the findings cannot be generalized to a larger patient population.